Hayden retained for Sydney Test

Out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden has been retained for the third and final Test in Sydney despite his poor string of scores this summer. It was speculated that Hayden might be dropped but the loss of so much experience through injury might have saved him.

Australia will be trying to cope without 3 big players all of whom have been hit by injuries. Brett Lee is out with a foot injury, Shane Watson has been ruled out for six months due to a back injury while Andrew Symonds picked up a knee injury.

Australian selectors have included Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald and NSW pacer Doug Bollinger in the 12-man squad for the third Test.

McDonald, 27, has played 42 shield games, has a batting average of 39 and taken 93 wickets at 20.He has had a good summer for Victoria, scoring four 50s and averaging 46 with the bat. McDonald has taken 15 wickets at 24 with his medium pace deliveries.

Bollinger, meanwhile is a proven contender. He toured with the Australian squad to West Indies and India but has not played a game yet. A left-arm swing bowler, Bollinger might just hold the edge over fellow paceman Ben Hilfenhaus considering the last Test is being played at his home ground.